Train driver’s safety worries

Jim Kelly, of Ames Road, Swans- combe, was sacked by the company in February 2002 after serving 11 years as a train driver for leaving a train unattended at Slade Green station.

Mr Kelly, 50, won his case against Connex for unfair dismissal on June 6 because the company failed to follow its disciplinary procedures correctly.

But Mr Kelly says his numerous complaints about the safety of the trains and tracks on the north Kent line over several years are the real reason that he was fired.

And he says the problem is not going to go away.

“The track and trains are a disgrace and Connex and Network Rail’s safety procedures are a shambles,” he said.

“There are missing clips and the sleepers are rotten. You wouldn’t expect a bridge to stay up if you removed one of its joints, would you?

“I was always voicing concerns over safety. Connex has a responsibility to tell Network Rail about the state of the tracks and is not doing this.” He says Connex has got away with a spate of near accidents and this will go on until there is a major loss of life.

He now runs a company selling mobility scooters but has applied for reinstatement to his former position.

“The only way to change things is from the inside,” he said.

A Connex spokesman said: “Our trains are completely safe and we comply with all the necessary checks and regulations. Mr Kelly was successful at the employment tribunal because of our disciplinary procedures, not because he complained about safety. Safety had nothing to do it.” A spokesman for Network Rail, which is responsible for track maintenance, said: “Network Rail refutes the allegations made by Mr Kelly. Safety is our top priority and we undertake a rigorous programme of inspection and maintenance.

“We are constantly improving the condition of the rail infrastructure and introducing new schemes to maintain and enhance safety.

Mr Kelly’s hearing to assess damages is due to take place tomorrow.